Assembly GOP to meet on ousting majority leader

Assembly Republicans are expected to vote this morning on whether to remove embattled state Representative Bill Kramer from his position as majority leader.

Kramer has been under fire since sexual harassment allegations surfaced late last week, following a GOP fundraiser in Washington D.C. The Waukesha Republican is accused of groping a woman at the fundraiser and then verbally assaulting another woman on the flight back to Wisconsin. In the wake of the allegations, Assembly Republican caucus chairwoman Joan Ballweg (R-Markesan) says she and other members felt uncomfortable with Kramer continuing to serve in a leadership position.

The majority leader plays a key role in directing floor debate agreements when the Assembly is in session, and also wields a considerable amount of power during campaign season. Despite that, Ballweg says a decision has not yet been made on whether the caucus will pick a replacement. She says leadership felt that was something all Republican members of the Assembly should discuss.

Kramer checked himself in to rehab over the weekend for unspecified reasons. He is not expected to be present at today’s caucus meeting.